Facsimile system

ABSTRACT

In a facsimile system having a server device connected to a local-area network system, to which a plurality of client terminals are connected, and connected also to an ISDN and a pay-station telephone network, the server device performs communication with the pay-station telephone network and the plurality of client terminals, performs communication with the ISDN and the plurality of client terminals, and changes over communication between the ISDN and the pay-station telephone network in accordance with a command from each of the plurality of client terminals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to server-type facsimile system. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a client-server facsimile systemcomposed of a plurality of client terminals connected to a local-areanetwork (hereinafter referred to as a “LAN”) system, and a server deviceconnected to the LAN system and also, through an ISDN or pay-stationtelephone network, to a facsimile machine such as a G4 or G3 facsimilemachine.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] The transmitting of a document, which has been created and editedat a terminal device, to another ISDN or pay-station telephone networkvia a modem is prior art. However, a conventional terminal device havinga data communication function of this kind cannot be shared by aplurality of client terminals on a LAN even if it is connected to theLAN, and therefore the device serves merely as a dedicated communicationterminal. In addition, since the device is dedicated to G4 or G3facsimile communication, it cannot be changed over between the G4 and G3modes.

[0005] Further, the transmitting of a document, which has been createdand edited at a terminal device such as a personal computer or workstation, to another ISDN or pay station telephone network via acommunication interface port or communication adapter is prior art.However, a conventional terminal device having a data communicationfunction of this kind cannot be shared and managed by a plurality ofclient terminals such as personal computers or work stations on a LANeven if it is connected to the LAN, and therefore the device servesmerely as a dedicated communication terminal. In addition, since thedevice is dedicated to G4 or G3 facsimile communication, a selectioncannot be made between the G4 and G3 modes.

[0006] In conventional facsimile transmission, there is a client-serverfacsimile system in which a plurality of client terminals are connectedto a LAN, and in which a server device having a file storing function isconnected to a wide-area network (WAN). According to this facsimilesystem, the server device is instructed to directly transmit files thatare within a client terminal, the server device stores the filestemporarily, converts them into facsimile data and then transmits thedata. In this case, transmission requests from a plurality of clientsare registered in a queue within the server. By virtue of thisarrangement, files created at a plurality of personal computers or workstations can be transmitted by facsimile.

[0007] However, with the conventional client-server facsimile system,the conversion of a file into facsimile data is performed within theserver device. Consequently, when it is attempted to temporarily storethe file in the server device, a transmission error will be sent back ifthere is not enough storage capacity for the transmitted file to bestored. Until the request for storage is accepted, the operator mustperform the required operation repeatedly.

[0008] Owing to the development of ISDN's in wide-area networks (WAN's),the use of G4 facsimile machines utilizing ISDN's has become morewidespread. By connecting an ISDN to an ordinary pay-station telephonenetwork (PSTN), the transmission and reception of image data between aG4 facsimile machine connected to the ISDN line and a G3 facsimilemachine connected to the PSTN can be carried out.

[0009] Owing to the development of LAN's in computer networks, not onlywork stations but also personal computers may be connected to thenetwork, and there is much transmission and reception of data amongpersonal computers connected to LAN's. Owing to these circumstances,there is growing demand for an arrangement in which a WAN and a LAN maybe connected together so that the transmission and reception of data canbe carried out between devices connected to the respective networks. Asa result, a facsimile system has appeared in which a WAN and a LAN areconnected together and the transmission and reception of image data areperformed between facsimile machines and work stations.

[0010] This server system is composed of at least one facsimile serverdevice for communication, and any number of client work stationsconnected to the server via the LAN so as to utilize the serverfunction.

[0011] When image data is transmitted from the facsimile machine to theclient terminal connected to the server, the image data is received bythe server, where it is stored temporarily. The server has areception-notification function in which notification of the receptionof data is sent to the work station on the client-terminal side which isthe destination of the transmission.

[0012] With regard to this reception-notification function, designationof the client terminal connected to the server device is performed usinga sub-address when the transmission is made form the facsimile machineto the server system. In order to specify the client which is thedestination of the notification of reception, the server device users aconversion table which converts the sub-address present in the serverdevice to the address of the client terminal.

[0013] When this facsimile server system is being utilized, there areoccasions where it is desired to revise the address conversion table inthe server device, as when one's own client terminal has been changed,or when it is desired to temporarily send a facsimile document toanother terminal, or when it is desired to register a client terminalanew.

[0014] At such times, the conventional reception notification method issuch that a revision in the contents of the table present in the servercannot be performed by the operator from the side of the clientterminal. Instead, the operation is performed at the server. In order tomake the revision, therefore, one must go to the location of the server.In addition, in a case where the r;erver device is operated by a generaluser, there is the danger that the system will be adversely affected byerroneous operation. When operation of the server device is performedonly by the server manager, the manager must be relied upon for thepurpose of revising the table. This means that the table cannot berevised when the manager is not present.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimilesystem in which the foregoing drawbacks of the prior art can beeliminated.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimilesystem in which G4 and G3 facsimile communication functions possessed bya server device can be shared, and the load upon a client terminal canbe alleviated by decentralizing the functions.

[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide afacsimile system in which G4 and G3 facsimile transmission/receptionfunctions possessed by a server device can be shared in response to aservice request command from each client terminal arranged in a LAN.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide afacsimile system in which the load upon a client terminal can bealleviated.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide afacsimile system in which facsimile transmission/reception from clientterminals on a LAN can be managed.

[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide afacsimile system in which it is possible to revise an address conversiontable present in a server work station from the side of a client workstation.

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a facsimilesystem having server means connected to a local-area network system, towhich a plurality of client terminals are connected, and connected alsoto an ISDN and a pay-station telephone network, the server meanscomprising first communication means for performing communicationbetween the pay-station telephone network and the plurality of clientterminals, second communication means for performing communicationbetween the ISDN and the plurality of client terminals, and controlmeans for controlling changeover between the first communication meansand the second communication means in accordance with an instructionfrom each of the plurality of client terminals.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a facsimile system having server means connected to alocal-area network system, to which a plurality of client terminals areconnected, and connected also to a pay-station telephone network havingat least one communication terminal connected thereto, the server meanscomprising receiving means for receiving a command from each of theplurality of client terminals, analyzing means for analyzing thecommands received by the receiving means, and communication means forperforming communication between the communication terminal and each ofthe plurality of client terminals based upon results of analysisperformed by the analyzing means.

[0023] According to still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a facsimile system having server means connected to alocal-area network system, to which a plurality of client terminals areconnected, and connected also to an ISDN having at least onecommunication terminal connected thereto, the server means comprisingreceiving means for receiving a command from each of the plurality ofclient terminals, analyzing means for analyzing the commands received bythe receiving means, and communication means for performingcommunication between the communication terminal and each of theplurality of client terminals based upon results of analysis performedby the analyzing means.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a facsimile system having server means for controllingcommunication between a LAN to which a plurality of client terminals areconnected and a WAN to which a plurality of facsimile terminals areconnected, the server means comprising memory means for storinginformation which includes a LAN address, transmission information and atransmission file name of each client terminal, among the pluralitythereof, which requests facsimile communication, read-out means forreading, in accordance with the information stored in the memory means,the transmission file of each client terminal which has stored theinformation in the memory means, and storage means for storing thetransmission file read by the read-out means.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a facsimile system having server means for controllingcommunication between a LAN to which a plurality of client terminals areconnected, and a WAN to which a plurality of facsimile terminals areconnected, the server means having converting means for convertingaddresses between the LAN and WAN, and modifying means for modifyingcontent of a conversion performed by the converting means, and each ofthe plurality of client terminals has first display means for displayingcontent of conversion, requesting means for requesting that theconverting means perform a conversion of the content modified by themodifying means, and second display means for displaying content ofconversion modified by the modifying means.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a facsimile system having server means for controllingcommunication between a LAN to which a plurality of client terminals areconnected, and a WAN to which a plurality of facsimile terminals areconnected, the server means comprising a table which represents contentfor converting addresses between the LAN and the WAN, and updating meansfor updating the table, and each of the plurality of client terminalshas receiving means for receiving the table from the server means,display means for displaying the received table, modifying means formodifying the table, and transmitting means for transmitting the table,which has been modified by the modifying means, to the server means, theupdating means performing updating based upon the table transmitted bythe transmitting means.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem having a client-server facsimile system according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a serverdevice according to the first embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a clientterminal according to the first embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing the operation of a commandanalyzer and control unit according to the first embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem having a client-server facsimile system according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a serverdevice according to the second embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a clientterminal according to the second embodiment;

[0035]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for describing the operation of a commandanalyzer and control unit according to the second embodiment;

[0036]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem having a client-server facsimile system according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a serverdevice according to the third embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a clientterminal according to the third embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing the operation of a commandanalyzer and control unit according to the third embodiment;

[0040]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of afacsimile server device according to the fourth embodiment;

[0042]FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a clientterminal according to the fourth embodiment;

[0043]FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing the facsimile transmittingoperation of the facsimile server according to the fourth embodiment;

[0044]FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing the facsimile receivingoperation of the facsimile server according to the fourth embodiment;

[0045]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of aclient-server facsimile system according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0046]FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing standby information accordingto this embodiment;

[0047]FIG. 20 is a flowchart for describing the operation of theclient-server facsimile system according to the fifth embodiment;

[0048]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of aclient-server facsimile system according to a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0049]FIG. 22 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the systembetween the client side and the server side according to the sixthembodiment; and

[0050]FIG. 23 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the systembetween the client side and the server side according to a seventhembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] <First Embodiment>

[0052]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem having a client-server facsimile system according to a firstembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the networksystem includes a LAN system 1 having at least two channels, clientterminals 2, 3 connected to the LAN system 1, an ISDN 4 to which areconnected facsimile machines 5, 6 capable of communication in the G4mode, a pay-station telephone network 7 to which are connected facsimilemachines 8, 9 capable of communication in the G3 mode, and a serverdevice 10 for realizing communication control according to thisembodiment. The server device 10 performs allotted transmission of datafrom the LAN system 1 to the ISDN 4 and pay-station telephone network 7,as well as allotted transmission of data from the ISDN 4 and pay-stationtelephone network 7 to the LAN system 1.

[0053]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the serverdevice according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the serverdevice includes a CPU 11 for performing overall control of the device inaccordance with a control procedure shown, for example, in FIG. 4, andstored in a ROM 12. The latter stores programs such as one in accordancewith the flowchart of FIG. 4. A RAM 13 is used as the work area of theCPU 11. Also included are a G4 facsimile-communication controller 14 forperforming control in G4 facsimile communication, a G3facsimile-communication controller 15 for performing control in G3facsimile communication, and a buffer memory 16 for temporarily storingtransmission/reception data at the time of G4/G3 facsimile datatransmission/reception. The buffer memory 16 absorbs a difference isspeed between the transmission speed of a disk file and network speed. Alarge-capacity disk memory 17 stores attribute information of each itemof data.

[0054] A controller 18 for communication within the LAN system performscommunication protocol control within the LAN system. Data transmittedvia the communication controller 18 is developed in a buffer memory 19within the LAN system. A code-to-image converter 20 develops a codedocument into a bit-map memory image. An MMR converter 21compresses/decompresses data, which has been stored in the disk memory17 by MMR, into a bit-map memory image. An MH/MR converter 22compresses/decompresses data, which has been stored in the disk memory17 by MH/MR, into a bit-map memory image.

[0055] A code document received from the LAN system 1 is developed intoan image by the code-to-image converter 20 and the image is compressedby the MMR converter 21, after which the compressed image is stored inthe disk memory 17.

[0056] A command analyzer and control unit 23 analyzes a command sentfrom a client terminal. If the command is, say, a G4-facsimiletransmission command, the unit 23 sends a transmission command to theG4-facsimile communication controller 14. A command buffer memory 24 isa location for temporarily storing the command sent to the unit 23 fromthe client terminal. A system bus 25 connects the CPU 11 to thecomponents 12 through 24.

[0057]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the construction of a clientterminal according to the first embodiment. Since the client terminals2, 3 are identical in construction, only the construction of the clientterminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The clientterminal includes a CPU 26 for controlling the overall apparatus inaccordance with a control procedure stored in a ROM 27, which storesvarious programs, and a RAM 28 used as a work area of the CPU 26. Acontroller 29 for communication within the LAN system performscommunication protocol control within the LAN system. Data transmittedvia the communication controller 29 is developed in a buffer memory 30within the LAN system. A transmission control panel 31 sendstransmission commands and the like to the server device 10 when atransmission operation is performed at the client terminal. A system bus32 connects the CPU 26 to the components 27 through 31.

[0058] The main operation of the server device 10 according to the firstembodiment will now be described.

[0059]FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the commandanalyzer and control unit 23 according to the first embodiment.

[0060] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the command analyzer and control unit23 of the server device 10 waits for a request command from the clientterminal 2 or 3 at step S1. If there is a command from a clientterminal, the program proceeds to step S2, where the request command isanalyzed. After the command is analyzed, it is determined at step S3whether the command is indicative of facsimile transmission or not. Ifthe answer is NO, then the program proceeds to step S7, at which otherprocessing is executed, after which all processing is terminated. If itis found at step S3 that facsimile transmission has been requested, thenthe program proceeds to step S4, at which it is determined whether thetransmission is for G4 facsimile or G3 facsimile. In case of G4facsimile, a transmission command is sent to the G4facsimile-communication controller 14 at step S5 and processing isterminated. In case of G3 facsimile, a transmission command is sent tothe G3 facsimile-communication controller 15 at step S6 and processingis terminated.

[0061] Thus, in accordance with the first embodiment, as describedabove, a transmission operation may be performed at each of the clientterminals arranged in the LAN system 1. As a result, the G4 and G3facsimile communication functions possessed by the server device 10 canbe shared. In addition, by decentralizing the functions, the load uponthe client terminals can be alleviated.

[0062] <Second Embodiment>

[0063]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem having a client-server facsimile system according to a secondembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the networksystem includes a LAN system 101 having at least two channels, clientterminals 102, 103 connected to the LAN system 101, a pay-stationtelephone network 104 to which are connected facsimile machines 105, 106capable of communication in the G3 mode, and a server device 107 forrealizing communication control according to this embodiment. The serverdevice 107 performs processing for allotted transmission of data fromthe LAN system 101 to the pay-station telephone network 104, as well asfor allotted transmission of data from the pay-station telephone network104 to the LAN system 101.

[0064]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the serverdevice according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, theserver device includes a CPU 108 for performing overall control of thedevice in accordance with a control procedure shown, for example, inFIG. 8 and stored in a ROM 109. The latter stores programs such as onein accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 8. A RAM 110 is used as thework area of the CPU 108. Also included are a G3 facsimile-communicationcontroller 111 for performing control in G3 facsimile communication, anda buffer memory 112 for temporarily storing transmission/reception dataat the time of G3 facsimile data transmission/reception. The buffermemory 112 absorbs a difference is speed between the transmission speedof a disk file and network speed. A large-capacity disk memory 113stores attribute information of each item of data.

[0065] A controller 114 for communication within the LAN system performscommunication protocol control within the LAN system. Data transmittedvia the communication controller 114 is developed in a buffer memory 115within the LAN system. A code-to-image converter 116 develops a codedocument into a bit-map memory image. An MH/MR converter 117compresses/decompresses data, which has been stored in the disk memory113 by MH/MR, into a bit-map memory image.

[0066] A code document received from the LAN system 101 is developedinto an image by the code-to-image converter 116 and the image iscompressed by the MH/MR converter 117, after which the compressed imageis stored in the disk memory 113.

[0067] A command analyzer and control unit 118 analyzes a command sentfrom a client terminal. If the command is, say, a facsimile transmissioncommand, the unit 118 sends a transmission command to the G3-facsimilecommunication controller 111. A command buffer memory 119 is a locationfor temporarily storing the command sent to the unit 118 from the clientterminal. A system bus 120 connects the CPU 108 to the components 109through 119.

[0068]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the construction of a clientterminal according to the second embodiment. Since the client terminals102, 103 are identical in construction, only the construction of theclient terminal 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Theclient terminal includes a CPU 121 for controlling the overall apparatusin accordance with a control procedure stored in a ROM 122, which storesvarious programs, and a RAM 123 used as a work area of the CPU 121. Acontroller 124 for communication within the LAN system performscommunication protocol control within the LAN system. Data transmittedvia the communication controller 124 is developed in a buffer memory 125within the LAN system. A transmission control panel 126 sendstransmission commands and the like to the server device 107 when atransmission operation is performed at the client terminal. A system bus127 connects the CPU 121 to the components 122 through 126.

[0069] The main operation of the server device 107 according to thesecond embodiment will now be described.

[0070]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the commandanalyzer and control unit 118 according to the second embodiment.

[0071] In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the command analyzer and control unit118 of the server device 107 waits for a request command from the clientterminal 102 or 103 at step S101. If there is a command from a clientterminal, the program proceeds to step S102, where the request commandis analyzed. After the command is analyzed, it is determined at stepS103 whether the command is indicative of facsimile transmission or not.If the answer is NO, then the program proceeds to step S105, at whichother processing is executed, after which all processing is terminated.If it is found at step S103 that facsimile transmission has beenrequested, then the program proceeds to step S104, at which atransmission command is sent to the G3 facsimile-communicationcontroller 111 and processing is terminated.

[0072] Thus, in accordance with the second embodiment, as describedabove, a transmission operation may be performed at each of the clientterminals arranged in the LAN system 101. As a result, the G3 facsimilecommunication function possessed by the server device 107 can be shared.In addition, by decentralizing the functions, the load upon the clientterminals can be alleviated.

[0073] <Third Embodiment>

[0074]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem having a client-server facsimile system according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the networksystem includes a LAN system 201 having at least two channels, clientterminals 202, 203 connected to the LAN system 201, an ISDN 204 to whichare connected facsimile machines 205, 206 capable of communication inthe G4 mode, and a server device 207 for realizing communication controlaccording to this embodiment. The server device 207 performs processingfor allotted transmission of data from the LAN system 201 to the ISDN204, as well as for allotted transmission of data from the ISDN 204 tothe LAN system 201.

[0075]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the serverdevice according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, theserver device includes a CPU 208 for performing overall control of thedevice in accordance with a control procedure (which includes theprogram shown in FIG. 12) stored in a ROM 209. The latter storesprograms such as one in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 12. A RAM210 is used as the work area of the CPU 208. Also included are a G4facsimile-communication controller 211 for performing control in G4facsimile communication, and a buffer memory 212 for temporarily storingtransmission/reception data at the time of G4 facsimile datatransmission/reception. The buffer memory 212 absorbs a difference isspeed between the transmission speed of a disk file and network speed. Alarge-capacity disk memory 213 stores attribute information of each itemof data.

[0076] A controller 214 for communication within the LAN system performscommunication protocol control within the LAN system. Data transmittedvia the communication controller 214 is developed in a buffer memory 215within the LAN system. A code-to-image converter 216 develops a codedocument into a bit-map memory image. An MMR converter 217compresses/decompresses data, which has been stored in the disk memory213 by MH/MR, into a bit-map memory image.

[0077] A code document received from the LAN system 201 is developedinto an image by the code-to-image converter 216 and the image iscompressed by the MMR converter 217, after which the compressed image isstored in the disk memory 213.

[0078] A command analyzer and control unit 218 analyzes a command sentfrom a client terminal. If the command is, say, a facsimile transmissioncommand, the unit 218 sends a transmission command to the G4-facsimilecommunication controller 211. A command buffer memory 219 is a locationfor temporarily storing the command sent to the unit 218 from the clientterminal. A system bus 220 connects the CPU 208 to the components 209through 219.

[0079]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the construction of a clientterminal according to the third embodiment. Since the client terminals202, 203 are identical in construction, only the construction of theclient terminal 202 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. Theclient terminal includes a CPU 221 for controlling the overall apparatusin accordance with a control procedure stored in a ROM 222, which storesvarious programs, and a RAM 223 used as a work area of the CPU 221. Acontroller 224 for communication within the LAN system performscommunication protocol control within the LAN system. Data transmittedvia the communication controller 224 is developed in a buffer memory 225within the LAN system. A transmission control panel 226 sendstransmission commands and the like to the server device 207 when atransmission operation is performed at the client terminal. A system bus227 connects the CPU 221 to the components 222 through 226.

[0080] The main operation of the server device 207 according to thesecond embodiment will now be described.

[0081]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the commandanalyzer and control unit 218 according to the second embodiment.

[0082] In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the command analyzer and controlunit 218 of the server device 207 waits for a request command from theclient terminal 202 or 203 at step S201. If there is a command from aclient terminal, the program proceeds to step S202, where the requestcommand is analyzed. After the command is analyzed, it is determined atstep S203 whether the command is indicative of facsimile transmission ornot. If the answer is NO, then the program proceeds to step S205, atwhich other processing is executed, after which all processing isterminated. If it is found at step S203 that facsimile transmission hasbeen requested, then the program proceeds to step S204, at which atransmission command is sent to the G4 facsimile-communicationcontroller 211 and processing is terminated.

[0083] Thus, in accordance with the third embodiment, as describedabove, a transmission operation may be performed at each of the clientterminals arranged in the LAN system 201. As a result, the G4 facsimilecommunication function possessed by the server device 207 can be shared.In addition, by decentralizing the functions, the load upon the clientterminals can be alleviated.

[0084] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0085]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a networksystem which is connected a client-server facsimile system according toa fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, thenetwork system includes a LAN system 301, client terminals 302, 303,such as a personal computer or work station, connected to the LAN system301, an ISDN 304 to which are connected facsimile machines 305, 306capable of performing transmission/reception in the G4 mode, apay-station telephone network 307 to which are connected facsimilemachines 308, 309 capable of communication in the G3 mode, and afacsimile server device 310 for realizing facsimiletransmission/reception according to this embodiment. The server device310 performs allotted transmission of data from the LAN system 301 tothe ISDN 304 and pay-station telephone network 307, as well as allottedtransmission of data from the ISDN 304 and pay-station telephone network307 to the LAN system 301.

[0086]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of thefacsimile server device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown inFIG. 14, the server device includes a CPU 311 for performing overallcontrol of the device in accordance with a control procedure (whichincludes a program corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 16) stored ina ROM 312. The latter stores programs such as that mentioned above. ARAM 313 is used as the work area of the CPU 311. Also included are a G4facsimile-communication manager/controller 314 for performingmanagement/control in G4 facsimile communication, and a G3facsimile-communication manager/controller 315 for performingmanagement/control in G3 facsimile communication. These units performmanagement and control of G4/G3 facsimile communication (transmissionand reception) and, at the time of reception, create page files in whichthe received facsimile data is managed every page that is received. Abuffer memory 316 is for temporarily storing transmission/reception dataat the time of G4/G3 facsimile data transmission/reception. The buffermemory 316 absorbs a difference is speed between the transmission speedof a disk file and network speed. A facsimile communication unit 317actually transmits the G4/G3 facsimile data. A large-capacity diskmemory 318 stores a data file created by an application in each clientterminal, an MMR (modified-modified read)/MH (modified Huffman)/MR(modified read) format-data file received by the facsimile server 310through facsimile communication, and the associated attributeinformation.

[0087] A controller 319 for communication within the LAN system performscommunication protocol control within the LAN system. Data transmittedvia the communication controller 319 is developed in a buffer memory 320within the LAN system.

[0088] An image processor 321 converts a file, which has been requestedfor facsimile transmission from the client terminal 302 or 303, into abit image, and further effects a conversion into an MMR/MH/MR dataformat, which is the data format of the facsimile transmission. Thereceived data is stored in the disk memory 318 in the MMR/MH/MR dataformat, but a conversion into a bit image also may be performed inresponse to a service request from the client terminal.

[0089] A file manager/controller 322 is for managing a communication logfile as well as a page file received through facsimile communication. Acommand analyzer and control unit 323 analyzes a service-request commandsent from each client terminal. If the command is, say, a G4-facsimiletransmission command, the unit 323 issues a communication request to theG4-facsimile communication controller 314. A system bus 324 connects theCPU 311 to the components 312 through 323.

[0090]FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the construction of the clientterminal according to this embodiment.

[0091] The client terminal includes a CPU 325 for controlling theoverall apparatus in accordance with a control procedure stored in a ROM326, which stores programs such as that mentioned above, and a RAM 327used as a work area of the CPU 325. A controller 328 for communicationwithin the LAN system performs communication protocol control within theLAN system. Data transmitted via the communication controller 328 isdeveloped in a buffer memory 329 within the LAN system. Afacsimile-transmission processor 330 sends transmission commands and thelike to the server device facsimile server when a transmission operationis performed at the client terminal. Numeral 331 denotes a disk memory.A system bus 332 connects the CPU 325 to the components 326 through 331.

[0092] A facsimile transmission using the arrangement set forth abovewill now be described.

[0093]FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing the operation of facsimiletransmission performed by the facsimile server device according to thisembodiment.

[0094] At step S301 of the flowchart, the command analyzer/controller323 of the facsimile server 310 analyzes a service-request command whenthe command is received from each client terminal. Next, at step S302,it is determined whether the service-request command is a commandrequesting facsimile transmission. If the content of the service-requestcommand is not that of a facsimile-transmission request, the programproceeds to step S314. Here other requested service processing isexecuted, after which processing is terminated. If it is determined atstep S302 that the service-request command is a command requestingfacsimile transmission, then it is determined at step S303 whether therequest is indicative of G4 facsimile transmission or G3 facsimiletransmission. In case of G4 facsimile transmission, the program proceedsto step S304, at which the command analyzer/controller 323 requests theG4 facsimile-communication manager/controller 314 to carry out atransmission. Next, at step S305, it is determined whether the filerequested for facsimile transmission is required to undergo conversionof facsimile format. In case of G4 facsimile transmission, it isdetermined whether the file is an MMR file. If a conversion of facsimileformat is required, the G4 facsimile-communication manager/controller314 requests that the image processor 321 convert the file requested forfacsimile transmission into a facsimile-format file at step S306. Whenthe conversion into the facsimile-format file by the image processor 321ends, it is requested at step S307 that the facsimile communication unit317 perform a facsimile transmission. Next, at step S308, the facsimilecommunication unit 317 transmits the MMR file by facsimile communicationto the telephone number which requested the transmission. Processing isthen terminated. If it is determined at step S305 that the filerequested for facsimile transmission does not require a facsimile-formatconversion, then step S306 is skipped and the program proceeds to stepS307, after which steps S307 and S308 are executed as set forth above.

[0095] If it is determined at step S303 that the command requestingfacsimile transission is a request for G3 facsimile transmission, theprogram proceeds to step S309, at which the command analyzer/controller323 requests the G3 facsimile-communication manager/controller 315 tocarry out a transmission. Next, at step S310, it is determined whetherthe file requested for facsimile transmission is required to undergoconversion of facsimile format. In case of G3 facsimile transmission, itis determined whether the file is an MH/MR file. If a conversion offacsimile format is required, the G3 facsimile-communicationmanager/controller 315 requests that the image processor 321 convert thefile requested for facsimile transmission into a facsimile-format fileat step S311. When the conversion into the facsimile-format file by theimage processor 321 ends, a facsimile-transmission request is sent tothe facsimile communication unit 317 at step S312. Next, at step S313,the facsimile communication unit 317 transmits the MH/MR file byfacsimile communication to the telephone number which requested thetransmission. Processing is then terminated. If it is determined at stepS310 that the file requested for facsimile transmission does not requirea facsimile-format conversion, then step S311 is skipped and the programproceeds to step S312, after which steps S312 and S313 are executed asset forth above.

[0096] Facsimile reception will now be described.

[0097]FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing the operation of facsimilereception performed by the facsimile server device according to thisembodiment.

[0098] At step S315 of the flowchart, the facsimile communication unit317 waits for reception of a facsimile signal. If the signal is notreceived, the program returns to step S315 to form a permanent loop. Ifa facsimile signal is received at step S315, then, at step S316, thefacsimile communication unit 317 determines whether reception is G4facsimile or G3 facsimile. If it is determined that reception is in theG4 facsimile mode, then the program proceeds to step S317. Here thefacsimile communication unit 317 notifies the G4 facsimile-communicationmanager/controller 314 of the fact that G4 facsimile reception hasoccurred. At step S318, the G4 facsimile-communicationmanager/controller 314, notified of G4 facsimile reception at step S317,creates a page file for managing the received facsimile data page bypage. This is followed by step S319, at which the G4facsimile-communication manager/controller 314 requests that the filemanager/controller 322 register the page file created at step S318 andupdate the communication log file. Processing is then terminated.

[0099] If the facsimile communication unit 317 determines at step S316that reception is in the G3 facsimile mode, the program proceeds to stepS320. Here the facsimile communication unit 317 notifies the G3facsimile-communication manager/controller 315 of the fact that G3facsimile reception has occurred. At step S321, the G3facsimile-communication manager/controller 315, notified of G3 facsimilereception at step S320, creates a page file for managing the receivedfacsimile data page by page. This is followed by step S322, at which theG3 facsimile-communication manager/controller 315 requests that the filemanager/controller 322 register the page file created at step S321 andupdate the communication log file. Processing is then terminated.

[0100] Thus, in accordance with the fourth embodiment, as describedabove, G4 and G3 facsimile transmission/reception functions possessed bythe facsimile server device can be shared by virtue of a service requestcommand from each client terminal arranged in the LAN. In addition, byplacing the facsimile transmission/reception in the facsimile serverdevice, the load upon the client terminals can be alleviated.Furthermore, facsimile transmission/reception from the client terminalsof the LAN can be managed by the facsimile server device.

[0101] The present invention can be modified by providing the facsimilecommunication unit 317 of FIG. 14 in an external device rather than inthe server device. For example, an arrangement can be adopted in whichthe facsimile communication unit is connected via an SCSI (smallcomputer system interface), which is the standard interface of apersonal computer or work station.

[0102] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0103]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of aclient-server facsimile system according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention. Shown in FIG. 18 are client terminals 401˜403, whichare personal computers or work stations, a LAN 404, a server device 405,a WAN 411, and G4 facsimile terminals 412˜414.

[0104] The server device 405 includes a main controller 406 forcontrolling the overall device. The main controller 406 has a CPU 406 aoperated by a program, a ROM 406 b storing a control program (whichincludes a program in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 20)executed by the CPU 406 a, and a RAM 406 c used as a work area forvarious programs. A file storage unit 407 stores a file read in from aclient terminal. This file includes various files, such as a TEXT fileand TIFF (tag image file format) file. A file converter 408 converts theTEXT file or TIFF file into an MMR file or converts the MMR file into aTIFF file. A facsimile-file storage unit 409 stores an MMR file inadvance. A standby-information storage unit 410 stores information froma client who has requested registration of facsimile data. A WAN [whichincludes a digital data network, leased line, telephone ISDN (integratedservice digital network), etc.] and a LAN, etc., are connected to theserver device 405 comprising the main controller 406, file storage unit407, file converter 408, facsimile-file storage unit 409 andstandby-information storage unit 410.

[0105]FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing the standby information ofthis embodiment. The standby information is an information group storedin the standby-information storage unit 410. Shown in FIG. 19 are a LANaddress 415 of a client who has requested registration of facsimiledata, a transmission destination information 416, such as a telephonenumber which is the destination of a transmission, transmissionresolution and the size of a transmitted original, a transmission-filename 417, and a flag 418 indicating whether a file has been stored inthe file storage unit 407.

[0106] The operation of this embodiment will now be described.

[0107]FIG. 20 is a flowchart for describing the client-server facsimileoperation according to this embodiment.

[0108] As set forth above, the server device 405 executes processing,described below, under the control of the main controller 406 (CPU 406a). In the description that follows, a case in which the client 401transmits a file to the server device 405 will be taken as an example.

[0109] First, the client 401 attempting facsimile transmissiondesignates the transmission file. Next, the telephone number of thedestination of the transmission is designated. If necessary, variousservice functions are set, such as transmission resolution and the sizeof the transmission original. A transmission command is then issued.

[0110] At step S401 of the flowchart in FIG. 20, the server device 405receives a request for facsimile transmission from the client terminal401. The request is delivered in the form of standby informationcomprising the LAN address, information indicative of the destination oftransmission, transmission-file name and file-storage flag. If atransmission request has been made, then the standby information isstored in the standby-information storage unit 410 at step S402. Theprogram the returns to step S401 and this processing is repeated. Evenif transmission requests are made by a plurality of clientssimultaneously, the requests are stored as a queue in thestandby-information storage unit 410 by virtue of this processing, andtherefore an error message is not sent back.

[0111] If it is determined at step S401 that there has been notransmission request, then the file-storage flag 418 in thestandby-information storage unit 410 is referred to at step S403 todetermine whether there is data not stored in the file storage unit 407.If there is no unstored data, or if there is no standby information perse, then processing is terminated.

[0112] In a case where there is data not yet read in, it is determinedat step S404 whether the capacity of the file storage unit 407 is enoughto read in the transmission file. If the capacity is adequate, thenprocessing set forth below is executed with regard to the standbyinformation data starting from the oldest transmission request or fromthe highest order of priority.

[0113] In a case where a response is made to the transmission requestfrom a certain client terminal, the standby information is read in atstep S405, the LAN address of the client terminal which has requestedthe transmission is obtained, and so is name of the file to betransmitted. Then, at step S406, the designated transmission file isread in the file storage unit 407 from the client who has made therequest.

[0114] In a case where the file capacity is found to be inadequate atstep S404, the file-storage flag 418 of the standby information is setto indicate non-storage at step S407. The file for which the flagindicative of non-storage has been set does not undergo actualtransmission processing until the file capacity becomes adequate.

[0115] Thereafter, the program returns to step S401 and processing isrepeated.

[0116] In transmission processing, the file in the file storage unit 407is sequentially converted into a facsimile data format and istransmitted just as instructed by the standby information. As soon astransmission ends, the standby information is removed from thestandby-information storage unit 410, the transmission file is removedfrom the file storage unit 407, and the next file in the file storageunit 407 is processed again in the same manner.

[0117] In accordance with the fifth embodiment, as described above, ifthere are transmission requests from a plurality of clientssimultaneously, a client to which a busy signal is sent back need notmake the request again and again a number of times; only a singleoperation is required to achieve transmission. Thus, less labor isrequired of the operator on the client side.

[0118] It should be noted that the standby-information storage unit 410need not be provided solely in the server but can be provided also onthe client side. More specifically, in a case where the client requeststhe server for a facsimile transmission and is sent back a busy signal,the information 416 indicative of the destination of the transmission issaved in a predetermined directory, and the LAN address 415 andtransmission-file name 417 are recorded in the server. Then, at the endof one processing cycle, the server reads in the transmission documentand transmission information successively from the clients which haverequested transmission.

[0119] By virtue of the foregoing operation, the load upon the serverdevice is alleviated when facsimile data is transmitted.

[0120] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0121]FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of aclient-server facsimile system according to a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention. Shown in FIG. 21 are a facsimile server device 501,which has a main controller 502,a main memory 503, a LAN interface 504for controlling communication with a LAN 507, a WAN interface 505 forcontrolling communication with a WAN 508, and a conversion table 506 forconversion between a line number on the WAN side and an IP (internetprotocol) address on the LAN side. The contents of the conversion table506 is as indicated in the following table: TABLE 1 SUBADDRESS IPADDRESS 0001 30.0.0.1, 30.0.0.7. 0002 30.0.0.2, 30.0.1.2. 0003 30.0.0.30004 30.0.0.4

[0122] The IP addresses, which are numerical values expressed by binarynumbers of 32 bits, are assigned to the terminals, which are connectedto the LAN, in order that these terminals may be uniquely distinguishedfrom one another. The IP addresses are used in a LAN employing theinternet protocol. In FIG. 21, numerals 509-1 through 509-4 denoteclient work stations connected to the facsimile server 501 by the LAN,and 510-1 through 510-5 denote facsimile machines connected topay-station network.

[0123]FIG. 22 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the systembetween the client side and the server side in the sixth embodiment. Inthe initial state, the side of the facsimile server waits for receipt ofa table-display request from a facsimile client at step S502, and theclient side waits for a table-display selection input from the user atstep S501.

[0124] When the user selects a display table of a client, the clientsends a table-display request at step S501 and waits for receipt of thetable from the server at step S505.

[0125] The server accepts the request from the client at step S502,refers to the address table at step S503, sends the result to the clientat step S504 and waits for receipt of modified content in the table atstep S508. Types of table modification are as shown in the followingtable: TABLE 2 TYPE OF MODIFICATION ADD RECORD DELETE RECORD CHANGERECORD

[0126] The client receives the table from the server at step S505,displays the table on the display screen at step S506 and waits for amodification input from the user at step S507. The user observes thedisplayed table and inputs a change in table content. The clienttransmits the inputted modification to the server at step S507 and thenwaits for receipt of the table from the server at step S511.

[0127] The server receives the modification from the client at step S508and actually performs processing for modifying the table at step S509.When modification of the table ends, the modified table content istransmitted to the client at step S510 and the program returns to stepS502, where the server side waits for receipt of the table-displayrequest.

[0128] The client receives the result of table modification at step S511and displays the address table at step S512, at which the programreturns to step S501 for input of the table-display selection.

[0129] Thus, in accordance with the sixth embodiment, as describedabove, it is possible for a table in the server device to be modifiedfrom the side of the client terminal. As a result, a user employing aclient work station need no longer go to the location of the serverdevice because of a modification in the address conversion tableprovided at the server work station. This saves time and makes itunnecessary to suspend work being performed at the client terminal. Inaddition, since the server device need not be operated directly, theoperation for modifying the table can be performed by anyone, withoutthe server device being adversely affected, when the manager of theserver system is absent. The server table modification can be performedquickly, and the operation for carrying out the modification is left tothe user. As a result, the management burden upon the manager of theserver system is alleviated.

[0130] <Seventh Embodiment>

[0131] A seventh embodiment will now be described.

[0132]FIG. 23 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the systembetween the client side and the server side in the seventh embodiment.Steps in FIG. 23 whose processing is identical with the processing ofsteps in the flowchart of FIG. 22 are designated by like step numbers.

[0133] In the initial state, the side of the facsimile server waits forreceipt of a table-display request from a facsimile client at stepS502″, and the client side waits for a table-display selection inputfrom the user at step S501″.

[0134] When the user selects a display table of a client, the clientsends a table-display request at step S501″ and waits for receipt of thetable from the server at step S505″.

[0135] The server accepts the request from the client at step S502″,refers to the address table at step S503″, sends the result to theclient at step S504″ and waits for results of modification in the tableat step S519.

[0136] The client receives the table from the server at step S505″,displays the table on the display screen at step S506″, after which theaddress table is modified at step S517 in accordance with the input fromthe user.

[0137] The client sends the modified results to the server at step S518,at which the program returns to step S501″ for input of thetable-display selection.

[0138] The server receives the results of modification from the clientat step S519 and updates the table at step S520, after which the programreturns to step S502″, where the server side waits for receipt of thetable-display request.

[0139] By virtue of the foregoing operation, the address conversiontable located at the server work station can be modified from the sideof the client work station.

[0140] The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by aplurality of devices or to an apparatus comprising a single device.Furthermore, it goes without saying that the invention is applicablealso to a case where the object of the invention is attained bysupplying a program to a system or apparatus.

[0141] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the presentinvention can be made without departing from the spirit and scopethereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A facsimile system having server means connectedto a local-area network system, to which a plurality of client terminalsare connected, and connected also to an ISDN and a pay-station telephonenetwork, said server means comprising: first communication means forperforming communication between said pay-station telephone network andsaid plurality of client terminals; second communication means forperforming communication between said ISDN and said plurality of clientterminals; and control means for controlling changeover between saidfirst communication means and said second communication means inaccordance with a command from each of said plurality of clientterminals.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said controlmeans includes: receiving means for receiving a command from each ofsaid plurality of client terminals; analyzing means for analyzing acommand received by said receiving means; and changeover means forchanging over between said first communication means and said secondcommunication means in accordance with results of analysis performed bysaid analyzing means.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein saidcommand is information indicative of G3 or G4 facsimile communication,and said changeover means changes over to said first communication meansif said analyzing means outputs results of analysis indicative of G3facsimile communication, and to said second communication means if saidanalyzing means outputs results of analysis indicative of G4 facsimilecommunication.
 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said commandincludes information indicative of whether facsimile communication isperformed or not, and said analyzing means analyzes whether facsimilecommunication is performed or not.
 5. A facsimile system having servermeans connected to a local-area network system, to which a plurality ofclient terminals are connected, and connected also to a pay-stationtelephone network having at least one communication terminal connectedthereto, said server means comprising: receiving means for receiving acommand from each of said plurality of client terminals; analyzing meansfor analyzing a command received by said receiving means; andcommunication means for performing communication between saidcommunication terminal and each of said plurality of client terminalsbased upon results of analysis performed by said analyzing means.
 6. Thesystem according to claim 5, wherein said command includes informationindicative of whether facsimile communication is performed or not, saidanalyzing means analyzes whether facsimile communication is performed ornot, and said communication means performs facsimile communication ifsaid analyzing means outputs results of analysis indicative of facsimilecommunication
 7. A facsimile system having server means connected to alocal-area network system, to which a plurality of client terminals areconnected, and connected also to an ISDN having at least onecommunication terminal connected thereto, said server means comprising:receiving means for receiving a command from each of said plurality ofclient terminals; analyzing means for analyzing a command received bysaid receiving means; and communication means for performingcommunication between said communication terminal and each of saidplurality of client terminals based upon results of analysis performedby said analyzing means.
 8. The system according to claim 7, whereinsaid command includes information indicative of whether facsimilecommunication is performed or not, said analyzing means analyzes whetherfacsimile communication is performed or not, and said communicationmeans performs facsimile communication if said analyzing means outputsresults of analysis indicative of facsimile communication.
 9. Afacsimile system having server means connected to a local-area networksystem, to which a plurality of client terminals are connected, andconnected also to an ISDN and a pay-station telephone network, saidserver means comprising: first communication means for performingcommunication between said pay-station telephone network and saidplurality of client terminals; second communication means for performingcommunication between said ISDN and said plurality of client terminals;control means for controlling changeover between said firstcommunication means and said second communication means in accordancewith a command from each of said plurality of client terminals; imageprocessing means for performing image processing conforming to whicheverof said first and second communication means said control means haschanged over to in accordance with said command; and management controlmeans for performing file management/control conforming to whichever ofsaid first and second communication means said control means has changedover to in accordance with said command.
 10. The system according toclaim 9 wherein said control means includes: receiving means forreceiving a command from each of said plurality of client terminals;analyzing means for analyzing a command received by said receivingmeans; and changeover means for changing over between said firstcommunication means and said second communication means in accordancewith results of analysis performed by said analyzing means.
 11. Thesystem according to claim 10, wherein said command is informationindicative of G3 or G4 facsimile communication, and said changeovermeans changes over to said first communication means if said analyzingmeans outputs results of analysis indicative of G3 facsimilecommunication, and to said second communication means if said analyzingmeans outputs results of analysis indicative of G4 facsimilecommunication.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein saidcommand includes information indicative of whether facsimilecommunication is performed or not, and said analyzing means analyzeswhether facsimile communication is performed or not.
 13. A facsimilesystem having server means for controlling communication between alocal-area network to which a plurality of client terminals areconnected and a wide-area network to which a plurality of facsimileterminals are connected, said server means comprising: memory means forstoring information which includes a local-area network address,transmission information and a transmission file name of each clientterminal, among the plurality thereof, which requests facsimilecommunication; read-out means for reading, in accordance with theinformation stored in said memory means, the transmission file of eachclient terminal which has stored the information in said memory means;and storage means for storing the transmission file read by the read-outmeans.
 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said read-out meansreads out a transmission file, which has not been stored in said storagemeans, from the information of each client terminal which has stored theinformation in said memory means.
 15. A facsimile system having servermeans for controlling communication between a local-area network towhich a plurality of client terminals are connected, and a wide-areanetwork to which a plurality of facsimile terminals are connected, saidserver means comprising: converting means for converting addressesbetween the local-area network and wide-area network; and modifyingmeans for modifying content of a conversion performed by said convertingmeans; each of said plurality of client terminals having: first displaymeans for displaying the content of the conversion; requesting means orrequesting that said converting means perform a conversion of thecontent modified by said modifying means; and second display means fordisplaying content of conversion modified by said modifying means. 16.The system according to claim 15, the content of the conversion isexpressed by a table.
 17. A facsimile system having server means forcontrolling communication between a local-area network to which aplurality of client terminals are connected, and a wide-area network towhich a plurality of facsimile terminal are connected, said server meanscomprising: a table which represents content for converting addressesbetween the local-area network and the wide-area network; and updatingmeans for updating said table; each of said plurality of clientterminals having: receiving means for receiving said table from saidserver means; display means for displaying the received table; modifyingmeans for modifying said table; and transmitting means for transmittingsaid table, which has been modified by said modifying means, to saidserver means; said updating means performing updating based upon thetable transmitted by said transmitting means.
 18. The system accordingto claim 17, wherein said modifying means has input means for makinginputs by keys, and said table is modified by said input means.